Alonnisos is heaven for nature and sea lovers. The most remote island of the Sporades is filled with small and large beaches and, no matter how popular the island has become in the past years, you’ll be able to sit on the beach without being too close to other people. Most of the beaches are pebbled and so, you might need sea shoes. The waters of Alonnisos are among the cleanest in Greece, making swimming here a real pleasure.
The whole island is part of the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, the first marine park in Greece and the largest protected marine area in Europe. On many beaches you might even see seals –they belong to the endangered species monachus monachus, the Mediterranean monk seal. The first underwater archaeological site in the country is also in Alonnisos, on the Peristera islet, on the east side of the island. One of the oldest shipwrecks in the world is located there and if you go snorkelling, you’ll get the chance to see over 3.500 wine amphorae dating back to 424 BC.
Agios Dimitrios
This is the most famous beach on the island and with good reason. Approximately in the middle of the island on the East side, this beach ticks all the boxes: crystal clear blue waters, length, a part with umbrellas and a part without. Due to the pebbles, you’ll probably need sea shoes to feel more comfortable. There are bars along the beach that serve coffee, drinks and snacks, and since the beach is divided in two, due to its triangular shape, with the corner being approximately the middle of the beach, you can choose where to sit depending on the direction of the wind. If you’re lucky you might see seals.
Leftos Yalos
This small bay is surrounded by trees, so you’ll certainly find a shaded spot under the pines to sit. This too is a pebbled beach with beach bars and a fascinating seabed perfect for exploring. Its turquoise waters attract a lot of people, so if you want quiet it’s best to visit it early in the morning.
Kokkinokastro
Deep blue sea, green trees, golden sand and red rocks. This impressive beach showcases a varied colour palette with the red of the steep cliffs giving it its name (kokkino means red in Greek, while kastro means castle). You’ll need to go down (and then climb up on your return) around 65 steps but the view during the descent is reward enough. It’s a serviced beach, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a canteen, and its shallow waters are ideal for families with small children.
Chrissi Milia
One of the beaches closer to Hora and Patitiri, Chrissi Milia is a beach with fine sand, turquoise, shallow waters and trees right on the beach. It’s a serviced beach but there’s also free space for the people who prefer to bring their own umbrellas and provisions. The sand and the shallow waters make it ideal for children and sports.
Yalia
The island’s west part has many small bays, quieter, and usually without umbrellas and beach bars. If you’re in the mood for a calmer, less crowded beach then Yalia beach is the one for you. The small bay offers crystal clear waters and usually very few people. Just make sure there is no north or west wind the day you visit.
